ling. I was trying to convince myself that what happened with Steve was just like a one-night stand, but I couldn't shake the feeling that there was something more to it. The w

er relationship after what happened with Michael. I just hoped things wouldn't be awkward when he came around, a

if she found out. I tried to push the thoughts aside, telling myself that it was none of her business, but the guilt lingered. Thro

teve right now. I had a job to get to, and I couldn't be late on my fi

st in thoughts that I didn't hear when she came in. Hazel lifted her head

'm headed to work," I replied, my heart pounding nervously. She looked

d, her voice laced wi

he bar?" Her tone bec

ondered why she se

s one of the biggest and best bars around here. It's a few blocks away from here. I ha

serve her one day. It would be nice to

ther sometimes," she laughed, h

headed to the kitchen for a gla

usin would come to the apartment," h

ay," I replied, my surprise evident in my voice. "So there's nothing to be sorry about. I would have given you a heads u

You called me two days ago. You informed me. It slipped my mind to tell you my cousin would be visiting today

aid, "I called you? I informed you o

id. You don'

remembered what she was talking about. "Oh, yeah, yeah. Yeah, I do.

You won't have to worry about my cousin giving you trouble. He does

hing and trying to hide my embarrassment. She didn't ne

he's family. He probably teased you a lot, and I know he's a

. "I can't deny that.... I'm getting late for work. I can't be late on my first day," I

u back," she said, her voice

ed for that." I smiled to reassure h

got the house key, right?"

See you later." As I walked out the door, I glanced back at her. She waved a

at the same time to finally start serving drinks and meeting new people. I made my way to the bar, which was just a few blocks away from Hazel's apartment. The evening air

't keep up with the demanding pace of the bar? I pushed the thoughts aside and reminded myself that I had

enveloping me like a warm hug. The air was thick with the smell of beer and sweat, and the neon lights of the bar sig

piercing blue eyes. He flashed a charming smile, and I felt a flutter in my chest. "Hey, you must be

palms touched. "I'm Mabel, nice to meet you, Luke. I'